Sunday, 3 July 2011

North Borneo crocodile stamps 1894 and 1897

A NB classic and a thematic dream. Beautiful design and a good balanced colour scheme. I have now also included the 1894 stamp which I think is not as interesting but still good.
Read on the news recently that a 4 metre salt water crocodile given the name Girang living in the Kinabatangan has been electronically tagged and monitored by satellite. There is a grave threat to their numbers due to the growth of oil palm plantations with their effluent, increasing numbers of humans and falling fish stocks. Their cousins in Sarawak seem to have acquired a liking for human flesh.
The largest recorded example of a dead crocodile was 6.2m long, 20 ft! It was shot by poachers in N Australia in 1974. They can weigh well over 1,200kg and live up to 70 years on average.

About Me

Originally from Sandakan, I have collected NB intermitently since chilhood but assembled the main part of my collection since arriving in the UK in 1975. I have always been fascinated by the use of 3 different written languages on a lot of NB stamps. Together with Labuan, this must be unique. I shall update my posts from time to time as I get further information. This is an evolving animal. I hope this blog is of some interest to everyone. I would like to aim some posts toward the novice in the hope that I could stir some interest in young Sabahans in this aspect of our history and culture. On the other hand, if my enthusiasm gets the better of me, my apologies for rambling on.
This is a middling collection which is still growing but should be achievable by most with time and dedication. Pergo et Perago "I proceed I strive and I accomplish". Any original images and information here should only used with permission and this source acknowledged. There is still a certain etiquette in this day and age.